I needed a tube today so instead of the typical tube I thought something new was in order. The LBS didnt have latex tubes and earlier before they had suggested my trying their particular brand (bontrager) lightweight tubes. I bought one box of lightweights and one box of regular for another app but held them in my hands to get a feel of the difference....and it was substantial.

Now the question: have any of you used or continue to use this type of tube? Have you experienced less durability?

I use lightweight continental tubes, no issues with durability so far.

Using thinner tubes will reduce the rolling resistance. I like the Michelin Aircomp tubes, and I have had no durability issues with them. I rarely get punctures, but that is probably the tires more than the tubes.

Thanx for the report. If this thinner tube works well I'll grab one for the front, too.

I have run the Bontrager lights as that is what my local LBS stocks and over the past 4 years had just 3 flats in about 11k miles. Just last weekend had the first flat that I can recall since late fall 2009. I really try to avoid road trash, gutter riding and bunny hop most tracks, ruts etc. so attribute some of my experience to riding style.

I also install these on my wifes bike and she seems to average about a flat every 1000 miles. We ride alot together on group rides with friends so even with similar tubes and tires - Mich Pro3, we do have slight different experience in the real world.

A friend runs the Mich lights and has the same experience I have with the Bonty lights.

I was using regular specialized tubes. bought a couple light weight specialized race tubes couple weeks ago and i couldn't believe the difference in weight in hand. after installing, I dont know if I can tell any difference or if its all mental (I'm sure its all mental), but saving a weight here...here and here can add up.

Forte Lunar Tubes. I paired them with Continental Gatorskins....but thats for everyday riding. For a pair they weigh 110g.

Essentially, the "normal" tubes vary in thickness quite a bit. They are manufactured to a loose tolerance because it is cheaper, so in order to make sure that there are no spots that are too thin, they make everything a little thicker. With the "lightweight" tubes, they are manufactured to a tighter tolerance, so they whole of the tube is only as thick as it needs to be, not as many thick spots and thin spots as the standard. On account of this, I don't think they should be less durable, because something sharp will pop either one, and the "weakest" part of either will be about the same.

I would avoid latex unless it is for race wheels... unless you like losing 40psi every night. My vittoria tubies have a latex tube in them and I can easily lose 40psi or more overnight. Not the end of the world, but it gets frustrating to not be able to just jump on the bike and go sometimes. But for race wheels, you're triple checking pressure first anyways, so who care what it'll be at the next day.

I ride on Continental lightweight tubes and the difference in weight when holding a normal and lightweight tube in each hand is pretty big. Only reason i have them really is because there 80mm valve stems which work well since my wheels have a depth of 50mm.

Especially when it comes down to cutting weight on rotational mass. In the hotrodders terminology we call that "unsprung weight" and it makes a difference in acceleration. If I cut weight anywhere it's going to be in tubes and tires first.....and it's the cheapest, other than around my waist.

Thanx for the report on latex. I dont mind airing up prior to important rides but if I take my roadie out for a shot across town I dont think I'd like to be airing up everytime my butt hits the seat. Butyl it is.

I use many different types of lightweight tubes without problems. It saves about 3-4 ounces.

how is this working out? that's the same combo i'm using but with Forte Ultra Light. i thought going to Lunas might be pushing it..

ive used the lunars. no problems

For me the advantage is that LW tubes can be folded into a smaller package, taking up less room in my saddle bag and pocket.

Forte Lunars here too. no issues so far. I installed using a little baby powder to be extra careful for tube pinches while installing. Still working great after about 250 miles.

been using the lunar lites too. half the weight and TWICE the price i might add. no problems...

BUT, they are thin and a bumbling job of installation can puncture them easily.

i have no reason to believe that flats should be a problem. after all anything that can get through a hard (compared to a tube) tire tread and casing should have little trouble getting through a tube. right?

BTW, i run tuffy lite tire liners too. still haven't punctured..

I flatted that Bontrager Lightweight Race tube 11mi into my 60mi ride today. Haven't yet pulled the tube out to look at it so cant make a guess on what happened. Sure glad I had a new tube in the bag.

Why use lightweight tubes and tire liners? Isn't that defeating the purpose of lightweight tubes?

think about it...

the tire liners don't make the tubes or tires or rims any heavier.

and i have to have the liners to prevent flatting... so what else is there that is lighter?

Ok, I found the prob. I index my tires to the rim so when flats happen I can more easily find where a puncture in the tire took place and in helping find anything left on the inside of the tire when on the road. Got home, found the hole in the tube and located a tiny spec of a hole in the tire. So it wasnt the tube or user installation....just one of those roadie things.

Having a flat tire as part of the total cycling experience is highly overrated. Knowing how to fix one quickly is not.

You know I read all the positive posts on light tubes myself a few months ago. Decided to give 'em a try. Now I managed over 3000 miles last year with only one flat. But neither tube lasted long at all. One flatted as I was just standing over the bike on the road. It was the front, heard a hiss, and the tire went down. Replaced the tube and found about a 1/2 split in the lightweight one.

So maybe I've had bad luck but I enjoy working hard during my rides and not having to stop and change flats. So I'll find somewhere else to save weight. Oh I should mention I'm over 4500 miles this year with 3 flats. Two were the lightweight tubes and one flatted on a fast descent when I hit a crack in the road surface at speed.